The role of abstinence and activity in the quality of life of drug users engaged in treatment

There is increasing interest in understanding factors that enhance the quality of life of substance users in treatment, however limited research has been conducted to date. Measures of physical and psychological health, overall quality of life, drug use, and meaningful activity (education, training or employment) were collected at treatment entry and review in two areas of England as part of routine monitoring. Analysis was performed on an initial sample of 10,470 cases in one site and a more targeted assessment of 783 cases (with repeated measures for 528 of these) in the second site. Women reported lower satisfaction with their physical and psychological health at treatment entry compared with men, but these differences were not present at treatment review. Individuals who reported engagement in meaningful activities had significantly higher quality of life than those that did not. Clients in treatment who reported abstinence and engagement in meaningful activity demonstrated the highest quality of life. A holistic approach to supporting problematic substance users that acknowledges the importance of participation in meaningful activity is likely to be beneficial.